Sporting activities are healthy activities, but they are not without risk. Despite the risks, however, participation in a sport is consistently increasing. As a matter of fact, statistics from the Centers for Disease Control show that almost 30 million kids and adolescents are active in youth sports. Those numbers are for the U.S. alone.
According to Salt Lake City chiropractors, there are several common causes of sports injuries among the young.
Common sports injuries among young people
Sprains and strains
Ligaments are tough fibrous tissue bands connecting bones at joints. They serve to prevent excessive motion in the joint. Sprains are injuries suffered by a ligament. The most common sports-related injury is the ankle sprain. Strains, on the other hand, involve an injury to a muscle or a tendon. Tendons are strong fibrous cords that attach the muscle to the bone.
Injuries to growth plates
As kids and adolescents are young and still growing, they may expose a growth plate to injury. A growth plate is an area where tissue at the end of a long bone is still developing. These growth plates are replaced by solid bone when the body stops growing. Some impacts can hurt growth plates. Only doctors may repair such injuries.
Injuries due to repetitive motion
Stress fractures and tendinitis may happen because of repeated motion. This means a muscle or a tendon is overused. These injuries are typically painful, but they may heal by exercising RICE: rest, ice, compression & elevation. Physical therapy also helps. Take your child to a doctor if the problem persists.
The risk of injury is part of any sport. Today, scientific and medical advancements have led to the creation of equipment and practices that lower the chances of injury. Whatever sport your young one may be interested in, make sure to look for equipment they can wear to protect them from most injuries.